The Armada – 12 Days To Save England

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival announces a special fundraising event on 12th May 2017.

Dr. Sam Willis, award-winning historian, archaeologist and broadcaster will be providing an evening of entertainment, and yes, say the organisers, education!

Dr Willis is an expert on maritime history. The topic of Sam’s talk will be ‘The Armada’, recounting the dramatic story of how England came within a whisker of disaster in summer 1588.

In the 16th century, Spain dominated European politics and trade. At first Elizabeth’s moderate religious policy ensured England did not pose a threat. However, the excommunication of Elizabeth, the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, English support for rebels in the Spanish Netherlands and participation in Atlantic trade, infuriated Spain. Philip felt that England should be forced to take a subservient position in European politics. The events that followed have become an intrinsic part of both Spanish and English history.

Sam will illuminate the battles, logistics and military resources of each fleet, the Armada and the English Navy, and will reveal “the real story of the Spanish Armada”.